Hybrid Powertrain Clutch Segmentation for Torque Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional hybrid vehicle powertrains with internal combustion engines and electric machines lack flexibility and efficiency due to limited operational modes and significant energy losses, particularly in regenerative braking and torque transfer, which affects acceleration and braking performance.

Innovation Solution

An integrated electro-mechanical powertrain system with independently operable electric machines and a planetary gear set, utilizing clutches to selectively engage and disengage power sources, allowing for multiple operational modes and reducing energy losses by optimizing torque transfer and regenerative braking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional hybrid vehicle powertrains use limited operational modes with conventional clutch engagement, then the system structure remains simple, but energy efficiency and operational flexibility deteriorate due to significant energy losses in torque transfer and regenerative braking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy losses in torque transfer and regenerative brakingVSAvoidoperational flexibility and mode selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The powertrain system is segmented into multiple independently operable electric machines (first and second electric machines) rather than using a single electric machine. This segmentation allows each electric machine to operate independently in different modes (motor or generator), enabling more flexible operational modes and reducing energy losses by optimizing which electric machine performs which function in each operating condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between multiple operational modes (series hybrid mode, parallel hybrid mode, regenerative braking mode) based on real-time vehicle conditions. The clutches and electric machines are dynamically engaged or disengaged to optimize energy efficiency for each mode, transforming the static powertrain into a dynamic system that adapts to varying driving conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electric machines are independently operable with selective clutch engagement, then operational flexibility and energy efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibility and mode selectionVSAvoidsystem structure with multiple electric machines and clutches

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each electric machine is designed to perform multiple functions - operating as either a motor or a generator depending on the operational mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated motor and generator components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high operational flexibility and enabling various hybrid operating modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Clutches are introduced as intermediary components that selectively engage or disengage the electric machines and internal combustion engine from the drivetrain. These clutches act as mediators that enable smooth transitions between different operational modes without requiring permanent mechanical connections, thus managing complexity through controlled engagement rather than permanent complex linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enhances energy efficiency, responsiveness, and operational flexibility, enabling dynamic mode selection based on vehicle conditions for improved fuel economy and extended component life.

Implementation Method 1

a planetary gear set, with the ring gear of the planetary gear set being selectively and independently coupled to the internal combustion engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

utilizing clutches to selectively engage and disengage power sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction engagement: Friction

Implementation Method 3

each independently operable electric machine being selectively and independently coupled to a sun gear of the planetary gear set

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9139079B2Integrated electro-mechanical powertrain system for hybrid vehicles

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 ENEDYM INC

AI summary

A vehicle powertrain system including a differential gear set, a planetary gear set coupled to the differential gear set, an engine coupled to the planetary gear set to transfer power between the engine and the planetary gear set, a first electric machine coupled to the planetary gear set via a first clutch and selectively engagable, via actuation of the first clutch, to transfer power between the first electric machine and the planetary gear set, and a second electric machine coupled to the planetary gear set via a second clutch and selectively engagable, via actuation of the second clutch, to transfer power between the second electric machine and the planetary gear set.